Encore Network Mission and Goals

The Encore Network is a resource for organizations and leaders in the encore movement.

In a world where midlife is being redefined as a longer period of active engagement and continued contribution, we need new ways to envision this life stage and put this talent to work.

Encore network organizations play a vital role by:

Helping social purpose organizations use encore talent

Helping encore-seekers discover what’s next and connect with opportunities

Strengthening communities by engaging encore talent

Background

The Encore Network is a key component of our work to make encore an accepted stage of life, bringing together organizations embracing encore to learn from each other and to act in concert. Nonprofits that have an encore component in their programs or activities are welcome to participate.

From 2010 to 2013, the Encore Network operated as a volunteer committee led by Encore.org VP Nancy Peterson and Doug Dickson of the Life Planning Network and Encore Boston Network. In late 2013, Encore.org recruited an Encore Network lead, Betsy Werley, with a goal of expanding and energizing the Encore Network.

Benefits

Increased visibility through:

Encore.org’s website, with descriptions and locations of member organizations and other network information

Inclusion in media stories

Connecting with other network organizations locally, on conference calls or webinars, and at Encore.org conferences

Local connections, as the Encore Network grows. Current Encore Network participants operate in several dozen U.S. locations.

Sharing of encore resources, allowing organizations to find existing resources rather than create them, and offering a wider audience for resources created by encore organizations.

Group learningthrough webinars, conference calls and the Encore.org annual conference – on topics of interest such as financial sustainability, marketing and diversity.

A mechanism for collective action.

Participation in the Encore Network involves:

Identifying a point person for your organization. The ideal representative is someone who knows the organization well and can comment on behalf of the group. In addition, he or she should be a natural networker and collaborator.

Sharing information – about programs, activities, successes and lessons learned, as well as organization and contact information for Encore.org’s database and website.

Marc Freedman

Encore.org Founder & CEO

Marc Freedman, the Founder and CEO of Encore.org, is a renowned social entrepreneur, thought leader and writer. Under Marc’s leadership, Encore.org has pioneered innovative programs and sparked a growing movement in the United States and beyond to tap the talent and experience of people past midlife as a human resource for solving our most vexing social problems.